Dad's warning after daughter with Down syndrome turned away from trampoline park

Some trampoliners need permission from medical professionals to take part. (Image: Getty Images)

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A dad has warned other parents of children with Down syndrome about new advice surrounding trampoline parks.

Lewis Sawbridge's wife, Rebecca, took their daughter Poppy-Mae, 8, and their other two children to a trampoline park where they had been before, but Poppy-Mae was not allowed to join in without a doctor's note.

The family were left upset and Mr Sawbridge said: "My daughter left there crying her eyes out."

Lewis and Rebecca Sawbridge on a day out with their three daughters, Lilly-Star, Summer-Rae and Poppy-Mae

"I know she has been before and thankfully nothing has gone wrong but we want to keep it that way."

Mr Sawbridge said: "We've never heard anything like this before.

"It wasn't advertised in the building, they just handed my wife a laminated piece of paper that apparently explained the rules."

The rules are published on the Flip Out website, and a spokesperson for the company said: “First of all I would like to apologise on behalf of Flip Out for the misunderstanding involving the family concerned and any embarrassment caused.

“We pride ourselves on being a fully inclusive company and try very hard to cater for everyone.

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“As a business we take health and safety very seriously and our company policy follows the advice given from the Down-syndrome.org website and the British Gymnastics Association which strongly recommends screening before any trampolining activities for people with Down syndrome.

"These conditions are made very clear on our website and at reception where there is a " Before You Bounce " sign. Upon production of a GP's letter we would be happy to welcome back the family as our guests."

What you should know before going

The new rules might restrict you or your children if you have certain conditions or disabilities.

Using The British Gymnastics Association as a guideline which is the UK's governing body for trampolining and gymnastics, Flip Out asks customers to ensure it is safe for them to bounce by checking with their GP first.

Family days out near you

Their website lists the conditions that could result in damage to health or injury at the trampoline parks including Down sydrome, heart or lung conditions and high blood pressure among others.

Separate notices are made for customers with Down syndrome, special needs, autism, dwarfism and epilepsy.

For customers with Down syndrome

The company website states: "Approval for participation that is signed by the GP or Pediatrician must be provided before taking part in any trampolining activities.

"The British Gymnastics Association (the National Governing Body for Trampolining and Gymnastics) has released guidelines for customers with Downs Syndrome.

"It is possible that certain customers with Down syndrome may also have Atlanto-Axial Instability (Instability within the vertebrae in the neck) and as such to ensure their safety, customers with Down syndrome and neck instability will be asked to obtain evidence from a GP or Pediatrician that they have been screened, using the screening test developed by the British Gymnastics Association for Atlanto-Axial Instability."